Caribou Stream Spring

## Overview Caribou Stream Spring is a public drinking spring located in the northern reaches of Maine's Aroostook County, near the community of Caribou. Situated at approximately 46.90°N, 68.11°W, this spring emerges in the heart of Maine's rural northland — a region known for its pristine waterways, dense boreal forests, and long tradition of natural spring use. Caribou Stream itself is part of the broader Aroostook River watershed, an area shaped by glacial activity that left behind the porous geological formations from which many of Maine's natural springs flow. Northern Maine has a deep cultural history of relying on natural springs for drinking water, and roadside and streamside springs like this one have long served as refreshment stops for locals, hunters, and travelers. While specific historical records for this spring are limited, its designation as a public drinking spring suggests it has been used and valued by the community over many years. Visitors have historically regarded the water from springs in this region as clean and refreshing, though water quality can vary with seasonal conditions. ## Directions 1. The spring is located near Caribou Stream in Aroostook County, northern Maine. 2. Using GPS, navigate to coordinates **46.9025, -68.1097**. This will bring you to the approximate location of the spring along Caribou Stream. 3. The area is rural, so a reliable GPS device or smartphone with offline maps is recommended, as cell service can be spotty in this part of Maine. 4. Look for the spring emerging near the stream corridor. Access may be along a local road or woodland path. *Note: These directions are based solely on GPS coordinates. If you have visited this spring and can provide more detailed route information, your contributions are welcome.* ## What to Expect Caribou Stream Spring sits in the scenic, sparsely populated landscape of northern Aroostook County. The surrounding terrain is characterized by mixed boreal forest — spruce, fir, and birch — with rolling hills shaped by ancient glacial deposits. The spring feeds into or is located near Caribou Stream, and visitors can expect a peaceful, wooded setting typical of Maine's northern interior. As a public drinking spring, the site has been used by area residents as a source of fresh water. The water has been reported to taste clean and cold, consistent with the deep glacial aquifers common in this part of Maine. However, as with any natural water source, conditions can change, and water quality is not guaranteed. The area experiences harsh winters with heavy snowfall, so access is easiest from late spring through early fall. During mud season (typically April into May), back roads in northern Maine can become difficult to navigate. Summer and early autumn offer the most pleasant visiting conditions, with long daylight hours and comfortable temperatures. Be prepared for a remote setting: facilities are limited, and the nearest services are in the town of Caribou, several miles to the northeast. The surrounding area offers excellent opportunities for wildlife observation, with moose, deer, and a variety of bird species commonly spotted in the region.